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Synod Summary - appointments and thanks
On
Saturday the Synod appointed the Rev’d Dr Jo Cox-Darling to be
Deputy Chair, and thanked Rev’d Alan Combes for his faithfulness
in filling this role previously.
We gave a vote of thanks to David Hemingway as he steps down from
his role as District Local Preachers’ Secretary and to Melody
Jones who has been our District Children and Youth Ambassador.
Thanks were given to those who have served on the District
Probationers Committee as a new committee is formed jointly with
Birmingham. And the Synod recognised the extraordinary
nineteen years of service that Angela Newey has given as District
Advocate for Action for Children before stepping down this year
(see Angela in action at a previous Synod).
The District is deeply grateful to all those willing to volunteer
in roles which are essential to our life together. We will
be looking to make new appointments through adverts in the Weekly
Mailing. Please do consider whether any of these might be
roles you might consider.
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Synod Summary - proposed new District in West
Midlands
Last
Saturday members of Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury and Birmingham
Districts Representative Synods met in a joint Synod session at
Sutton Coldfield Methodist Church. The Synods were meeting
together to consider a proposal to merge to form a West Midlands
District from September 2025. Having heard the proposal in the
morning, the Synods met separately in the afternoon for further
conversation and voting.
Both Synods produced a very similar vote (70% / 71%) in favour of
adopting the recommendation that the merger go ahead. This
is not the end of the matter. The Recommendation will now
go to the Methodist Council, which is expected to direct that it
be discussed and voted upon at all Circuit Meetings in the
Spring. Results will then be fed into the Spring
Synods. If there is found to have been sufficient support,
a final decision will be made by the Conference next Summer.
Obviously a significant proportion of the Synods voted against
the recommendation. Over the coming months, further work
will be done to try to respond to the concerns expressed at the
Synods as more detailed plans are produced. Whilst there
will be an opportunity to express views through the Circuit
meetings in the Spring, you are also welcome at any time to
make personal responses via the District Office admin@wsmethodist.org.uk
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Finance Officer Vacancy
The
Black Country Circuit seek to appoint a part time
Circuit Finance Officer
Hours 10hrs a week flexible.
Pay £10,000 per annum.
Closing date for applications 25th September 2023
Interviews will be held in week commencing 2nd
October.
The Finance Officer will
- Work with circuit
treasurer to ensure that the circuits financial
administration is accurate and secure.
- To ensure that
timely accounts on the standard form of accounts (accrual
accounts) and Charity returns are produced for the circuit
and submitted to the Methodist Church.
- To provide
financial information required for circuit meetings.
- To support the
superintendent minister with budgeting and accounts for the
circuit.
For
further information please contact Mr David Ashfield 01902
674884.
For an application pack please contact Rev Denise Williams
revdenise@hotnmail.co.uk
0121 520 2237.
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Circuit Support Worker Vacancy
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Youth Leader evening
If you
are a youth leader at church, paid or voluntary then you are
invited to a special evening hosted by Jo Yair and Charlotte
Hambly.
We would
love to say thank you for your ministry, spoil you with tea and
cake, and hear how the districts can better support you.
Please
book at a place to attend as it is at Jo’s home, using the
following link. (There is parking but please car share where
possible or if you need a lift from/to the train station then
please ask).
Details on the following link:
https://app.tickettailor.com/events/birminghammethodistdistrict/979730>
We look forward to seeing you
Jo and Charlotte.
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Practical Property update
Come
and join Matthew McDade ( District Property Consultant), Keith
Walton ( District Property Secretary) and Rosie Bryant( Learning
Network) as they uncover some of the mysteries of property.
Learn
key points about completing your annual returns and getting
consent for work. Find out what your legal responsibilities are
with regards to asbestos in your buildings. Take part in a
building inspection and see how you should be using the
quinquennial to inform your decisions and more.
There
will be opportunity to ask questions of experts and we invite you
to submit questions or areas you are interested in learning more
about before the event, so we can tailor part of the content to
your needs.
The event
will take place on the 7th October at Trinity
Methodist Church, Kidderminster. The event is free and lunch will
be provided. Drinks will be served form 9.30 onwards so we
can start promptly at 10a.m. For further details or queries
contact Rosie at bryantr@methodistchurch.co.uk.
Please book via Eventbrite.
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Exploring Digital
A day online exploring the digital world for Methodist Churches
and communities.
Join together with Methodists from all over Britain for a special
digital gathering. Learn from key individuals who've mastered the
digital world on how to connect and share the Gospel online. The
event will feature insightful keynotes, group discussions and an
expert panel. Don't miss this chance to enhance your
church's online presence and explore faith in the digital era!
- When: Saturday 30
September, 10am to 3:30pm.
- Where: Online, so
you can join wherever you are.
- Cost: We are providing
this day free of charge.
We'll be
sharing further information about speakers, topics and resources
closer to the event. Register
for your free place now to avoid missing out and
join us on Saturday 30 September for a day
of exploration into the digital world and the
opportunities it holds for the Methodist Church.
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Advanced Safeguarding Training
Advanced
Safeguarding Training Dates.
Anyone wishing to book onto one of these sessions needs to email kayredfern@birminghammethodist.org.uk
All of the below are training dates at The Methodist Churches
below:
16th Sept – Dudley Wood – face to face – 9.45am
registration
14th October – Kenilworth – face to face – 9.45am
registration
25th November – Solihull – face to face – 9.45am
registration
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Children's Support Fund
There
is still money available from the above and if your Church is
thinking of running any Children's activities, then, please
consider applying for a maximum of £500. The attached application
form needs to be completed.. Any further
questions please contact Tim Lorimer on tim.a.lorimer@gmail.com Many
thanks
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